Riding Out the Day's Events

Chapter 39- "communicating well enough, for what?!"

OOOOO

Darcy and Steve work some on their communication skills. Tony, Steve, & Natasha meet. Pepper & Darcy have 'girl time.' Everyone gathers for dinner & movies.

OOOOO

Darcy woke to a barrage of delicious sensations that caused her first noise of the day to be a combination moan and giggle. Steve lingeringly kissed along her her neck and was caressing her all over, seducing her awake. His touches alternated in intensity. Some were light, some relaxing, and some intensely arousing. He didn't pause as he realized she was waking, just kissed her more. She moaned. "Wait, what? I thought…"

Darcy felt Steve grinning between kisses. "Haven't you heard of foreplay?"

She moaned again, and groaned, "for a day or two?"

His expression pretended innocence, but it was all-devil. "Why not?" He resumed kissing; adding the occasional nibble through the shirt she wore. She stretched, arching her back. He moved his other arm under and around her, then rolled them so that she lay on top of him. The ease of the maneuver, and the feeling of his muscles pressed against her reminded her how strong he was.

She moaned sleepily. "Oh, gods. You talk a good game, but, what if I said you had to wait for release that long? You're rock hard… so hard…" She let her head drop to his chest, and whimpered.

He chuckled. "Why should either of us wait that long?" Her head shot up, and she looked so sleepy and puzzled that his grin widened to a full smile. She frowned. He kissed her forehead. "Go ahead and use the bathroom, Sweetheart. Wake up a little more... Then, let's talk."

Darcy shifted off of him, went to use the toilet and brush her teeth and hair, and washed her face. When she returned to the bedroom, Steve was sitting up in the bed. His smile was sweet. She grinned in response. He raised a brow. "Still that time?" She nodded and shrugged. He held his arms out to her. She walked over and sat next to him on the bed. He hugged her close so that she half lay across him. "This is new ground for me, too. Okay?" She nodded. He kissed her. "I don't know what works for most people, or the common attitude. I guess that's not important. I mean, what's important to me… is how you feel." He cleared his throat. "As for me? I think that in the first few days, when I understand women bleed the most, I wouldn't be comfortable making love. I, well, I worry about my strength. I think that concern might be worse if you were bleeding a lot."

Darcy's eyes widened, and she nodded. "Reasonable…"

He shrugged, and made a face. "There was not a lot reasonable about the experiment I volunteered for, Sweetheart. It was… risky, though I had less to risk than most, since I was so sick. I see more proof all the time. The leader of Hydra back then took an earlier version of the serum from Erskine… and Howard and his Vita-Rays weren't part of it. Schmidt, Red Skull, well, he WAS red-skulled, literally… and nuts, too. I'm not sure how much of that was serum-related, though. I'm sure that he was nuts before. I got the impression he thought Hitler was a little too soft in his principles." Darcy shuddered, and Steve pulled her tighter against him. He shook his head, putting thoughts of Red Skull out of his mind, for the time being. He cleared his throat again. "Anyway, I worry about hurting you, like I said, so…"

Darcy relaxed against him. "Mamaw acted like me getting my period was… well, über private, and almost shameful. She, um, pressed on the 'decency' lessons. Pawpaw acted uncomfortable if pads were even mentioned, like if they were on the grocery list! Don't even get me started on tampons! I had to sneak around to use them. Mamaw seemed to think I wouldn't be a virgin anymore if I used one. When I go to a doctor's exam and remove my clothes? Even now, I hide my underwear under other clothes so that it's not visible to people coming in and out of the room. Mamaw said I should keep my 'privates private and my unmentionables unmentioned'."

Steve chuckled, and kissed her cheek. "I've never heard it put that way." He kissed her blushing cheek again. "I won't ever pressure you in any way, but once the worst of the bleeding is past, I'm open-minded. Like, today? I'll be glad to make breakfast or lunch, considering the hour, if you're ready to get up. Or, we could go out, if you prefer. Or, we could stay here and enjoy each other in any way that you're okay with. It's just… I woke before you, and thought about this while you slept. I thought it might be good to talk about things in an open way. I hope to stick around with you for a long time to come. This'll happen every month. So…"

Darcy grinned and kissed him quiet. First, she teased, "how long have you been up, anyway?" He shrugged and grinned ruefully. She sighed, and leaned her forehead against his. The, she kissed his lips as she pulled one of his hands to her breast, and whispered silkily. "I'm tender here… during this time. So, please be extra gentle while you touch me. I am a fan of foreplay..." He lightly rubbed over her, and she gasped and bit her lip, arching into his touch. He raised his brows in surprise at her extreme reaction, and then leaned in to kiss her deeply. He tasted minty, like he'd been up and brushed his teeth earlier.

He rolled so that she was on her back and he lay over her. He resumed the deep, long, slow kisses they'd shared before going to sleep. She ran one hand up into his hair and began to scrape her nails along his scalp and then down his neck. With her other hand, she caressed muscles along his shoulders and back. He kissed along her neck, and caressed her breasts. He took care to avoid her tender nipples so studiously that she strained into his touch, and tried to force him to touch them more. She was getting more and more worked up every second. He gave in, and insistently used his lips and tongue on her through the sleep shirt. She writhed, and cried out with delight. He lifted the shirt, and pulled a sensitive peak into his mouth, with enough passion that she moaned his name loudly.

He murmured. "Bucky always said that if a guy wasn't smart enough to please his girl more than one way, he didn't deserve her." Steve gently removed Darcy's sleep shirt. He trailed open-mouthed kisses up to her throat, again teasingly touching and caressing. She was shuddering with pleasure, taut against the edge of orgasm.

Darcy cried out again as Steve caressed the inside of her thighs. "Oh! Remind me to thank him."

Steve huffed a laugh. "I'm working on getting you to thank ME, first, Sweetheart." He made his way back to her sensitive breasts, taking his time as she shuddered and twisted against his touch. She moaned and whimpered with delight. When she cried his name again, and writhed with the pleasure that rippled through her, he blinked hard. He realized that Natasha was advising him to encourage Darcy to have moments like this with other men. He was glad that Darcy's eyes were closed so that she wouldn't see the look on his face. He kissed her lips again, and then marked her neck, hard.

Darcy giggled in the midst of panting, "What the…?! Now I have to start the Edward Cullen comparison thing again. Enough of that! It's too warm to wear turtle necks right now."

He growled intensely. "I know." She blinked; surprised that he seemed upset at such a moment. Questions died on her lips as he returned his attention to her breasts, and slid one finger inside her panties to her clit. He touched her with teasing, slight pressure. She was soon pushing up against him and begging for more, cursing him as a tease for a long, long time until she finally came again.

She could tell the instant his possessive temper eased. He pulled back and dropped his head against her chest, eyes closed. Still coming down from her orgasms, Darcy stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head. She clutched him close, knowing there was so much that he was repressing from recent days. She wasn't sure what had happened, but she knew he would talk to her when he was ready, not before. In the meantime, if he wanted to drown himself in pleasing her, she couldn't complain. The possessiveness was another matter, but she just thought it odd.

Steve rolled back, and looked at her as though expecting anger. She laughed and shook her head. "I'm torn. I'm qualified to assure Bucky you're smart and deserve me, but, I've got to deal with that mark! I guess I'll wear a scarf over it. " Steve's expression twisted. She put a finger to his lips to silence his apology. She grinned. "Relax! I don't know if it's monumental enough for my bucket list, but you gave me my first hickey. Chalk another one up in the 'had a new experience' column!"

Steve's expression stayed even. "There's a column for that?" Despite his effort, his voice sounded tense.

Misunderstanding his tension, Darcy grinned, leaned in to kiss him, and then shimmied her way down his body. "Let me remind you of a new experience I gave you…"

OOOOO

Darcy and Steve finally made their way out of his place to grab a late lunch in the cafe downstairs. She headed to Jane's lab, and he went to meet with Natasha and Tony.

Tony greeted Steve with a growl. "You're damned right I'm pissed!" Tony wasn't wearing armor, so Steve just crossed his arms over his chest and met Tony's gaze with a look of irritation.

Natasha looked up from the data she was reviewing on a tablet. "What now?"

Tony stalked towards Steve. "You're lucky Pepper cracked down on me! I was of a mind to repay your favor, fly in with all my drones, and see how you'd act if I put Darcy and Bucky in danger!" Steve looked at Tony forbiddingly, and took a step towards him.

Natasha looked from one man to the other. Neither of them looked like they had slept much yet. Steve was in no mood for jokes, especially about Darcy's safety. After watching the interrogation video, Natasha understood that well. She tossed her data pad on the table in front of her. "What danger?"

Tony grinned. "Yeah… funny thing, though, Cap. According to Pep, the person you put in the most danger last night was Darcy! Pepper somehow blames me for that. But, how could I know that a red rage monster-ette would tune in for the latest from TMZ?"

Steve frowned, anxious and taken aback. "How was Darcy in danger?"

Natasha perked up, alert. "Red rage monster-ette?"

Tony laughed shortly. "Oh! Did he forget to tell you, too? Turns out the sweet young lady Cap sent back with my best friend to the care of the woman I love… is a HULK!"

Steve looked down, remembering with a grim smile. "You must think that was 'nuts'."

Tony looked at him, puzzled and puffed up with righteous indignation. "Yeah! I do. I don't think there are a whole hell of a lot of people who would think my concern invalid!"

Steve sat on the edge of the table. "It's hypocritical. When we were first on Fury's Helicarrier together, I thought you were nuts to trust Banner so implicitly. You provoked him, poked at him, and told him to strut instead of tiptoe! Yesterday, I saw red in Dr. Ross' eyes, and it gave me pause. Then, in the middle of a dangerous situation, complete with her crazy father shooting at us… she controlled it. She suppressed a transformation in the middle of a battle, while near tears over Bruce! So, yeah... I wanted her out of there, and I sent her, with Col. Rhodes, to Pepper. I touched base with Pepper first, and she didn't express reservations. I knew she had JARVIS and guard drones as backup. I also knew that Jane and Darcy were with her. For some reason, I trusted Dr. Ross that much! Why don't you tell me what made you trust Bruce so much?" Tony was still glaring at Steve.

Steve ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "There are a lot of things we have to do better… and reconsider. I honestly didn't know what else to do with Dr. Ross yesterday. We need a place for quarantine. We haven't discussed procedures for unknown entities with 'friendly' potential. We should. Enemy containment was first priority, but we have that pretty well in hand now. I'm beginning to think we need to take our base out of New York City, too. There's too much of a chance for collateral damage when 'the party' comes to us. And, 'the party' has come to us too much already!" He rubbed his eyes.

Tony looked stunned. "Leave the City? But…"

Steve asked in a low voice, "HOW was Darcy in danger from Dr. Ross?"

Tony looked around, thrown off balance at the thought of moving the Avengers' base. He murmured absent-mindedly. "Betty went beepy every time she looked at Darcy. Seems she saw Darcy and Bruce at their closest together on TV, and thought he'd moved on."

Steve frowned, remembering his own rage-filled reactions to that footage. He recalled Bucky's joke that Steve might turn into a green rage monster if he was forced to watch Darcy and Bruce embrace. He wished he had known to ease Dr. Ross' concern before sending her to the Tower. He rubbed his eyes again, admitting that fatigue was making him sloppy. It was offset by too much tension, but he was already fading again. He was worn out.

Natasha turned to Tony. "By the way, why is the sparring gym closed for repair? What happened?"

Tony barked a rueful laugh, and pulled up footage on the main screen. Natasha watched impassively. Steve kept looking away from the screen as Betty undressed and transformed. He took one good look to see how Red She-Hulk held her own against Hulk, but felt that was all that was necessary. He turned away when the two hulks came together in a passionate embrace. He could still hear them on the video. One glance was all he needed before it felt too voyeuristic. God knew that Steve had seen both Hulk and Bruce naked too many times, but this was different. He sighed. "This isn't helping us learn about her so much as it's an invasion of privacy, Tony. Please turn that off."

Natasha tilted her head one way and then another, watching. "Do they remember?"

Tony shrugged. "They're still resting, so, I don't know. They went at it for about three hours, from what JARVIS tells me. Dented the hell out of the floor, broke support posts, and tore the place up. The walls were designed to withstand Hulk, but we'll need to work on the rest. Pepper shut the cameras down when I couldn't look away, so I have to go by JARVIS' words." He grinned. "It's like having him read me monster erotica. Hulk seems to remember that Banner has read the Kama Sutra! It changed the pace of things between floor-smashing, bodies slamming... Thanks, J!"

JARVIS sounded put-upon. "I wish it were the oddest thing ever requested of me, Sir." Steve groaned.

Tony turned to Steve. "Ya know what, Cap? Widow has one point against your rush-to-the-altar plans. If you settle down with someone breakable, you'll never be able to dent a floor like that. If anyone needs to cut loose more, it's you. You ought to see if the Hulks are into open relationships! You could have the chance to go at it without any reserve at least once in your life, if so. You seem to like her. Maybe Bruce would do a swap meet with you! Get in line quick, though. Pepper tells me that Betty thinks Bucky's handsome. You might lose out, if you don't move soon enough."

Steve sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "What is wrong with you?! Dent a floor? He doesn't own... No. I'm not talking about any of that enough to even reply. Just… no." He looked up at Tony a second later, horrified. "SWAP meet?! NO!" his face red with anger as he yelled. "Drop it, Tony!" His hands clenched into fists and he glared wildly at Tony, then at Natasha (much to her interest).

Tony laughed, and held his hands up as though to surrender. "Fine. I'll leave it, if you're so possessive you start yelling at me and prepping to fight. Guess you're right, since Bruce'd smash Darcy to bits." Steve flinched as Tony looked at him mockingly. "She's breakable, after all. Hell! I'm still recovering from learning about the whole chorus-girl thing. You're quicker on the uptake than I gave you credit for, what with not being virgin-pure. So, maybe you'll think it over and surprise us all again with a Cap-Monster Mash. Who knows?"

Steve shook his head and frowned. "Why do you insist on referring to her as a monster? As comfortable as you are with him..."

Natasha shook her head. "Stop! Just stop talking, Stark. I'm ready to get to work, if that's okay with you boys. We have a Vorm ship in one of the underground hangars. Security brought it in the trucks. I want to learn how to fly it. It could come in handy."

Steve nodded. "I'd like to do that, too. And, we need to talk again to the prisoner we interrogated. We need to see if he knows who commands the Vorm on Earth, and if we missed anything else." He frowned with tension at the thought, not noticing as his hand bent the edge of the table, until it was done. He suggested. "Let's work on prioritizing topics to cover in tomorrow's meeting, first. Then, I'll head down with you, first to Containment, and then to look over that ship." He added in a clipped tone, "I'll ask Hawkeye and Bucky to join us and learn to fly it. It'd be good for all the Avengers who pilot to learn how to operate different tech like that."

Tony noticed that Steve's barely-tamped fury peeked further as he mentioned the prisoner. It was enough to cause Tony to stop wanting to anger Steve. No armor could get there fast enough to shield him from the super-soldier's wrath.

Tony's tone turned serious. "Have you replied to Coulson's request for us to join his team on another Hydra base raid tomorrow?" Natasha frowned and picked up her data pad again.

Steve nodded, and rubbed his eyes. "We're not going tomorrow. I told him that we need time off. Our ops are always intense, but the past weeks have been insane. We can't even process all that hits us before we're off to the races again. I want to take down Hydra more than anyone does! But, we're gonna start taking losses, if we don't regroup and get some rest."

Natasha nodded. "Thanks, Cap." She joked, "I was about ready to injure Barton to give us a good excuse to take a rest day." Steve shook his head and suppressed a wry grin.

Tony agreed, "Yeah. I wasn't looking forward to leading a mutiny against you, either. That's NOT on my bucket list..."

Natasha rolled her eyes. "I guess we need to review the interrogation video before we go to Containment."

Steve let out a harsh breath, stood, and walked over to a corner of the room. He muttered, "excuse me." His punch crushed a hole through an i-beam support. Tony held his tongue, expression grim.

Steve turned back to face him, "I'm sorry for that. And, I'm sorry you feared for Pepper's safety, and Rhodey's." He walked to the restroom, opened the door, and ran cool water over his bleeding knuckles. Then, he dried them and watched pensively as they began to heal. Steve continued to look at his healing wounds, deep in thought, for a long time.

Tony nodded, still staring at the hole in the wall. He suggested. "Watch the video to review and prep questions, but please hold off on questioning him again. Unless pulverizing the guy is your goal, I don't think you should interrogate today. Your fuse is almost non-existent, Cap."

Natasha laughed to Tony. "You're still alive. His fuse exists."

Steve's phone buzzed with an incoming text. He looked at it and frowned. One-handed, he sent a slow reply. He looked at his weary reflection in the mirror over the sink. "Tony's right. I'm too far off my game. It'll have to wait."

Natasha nodded understanding. "JARVIS, play video of interrogations with prisoner #316911, Dr. Alexander Pierce, Jr."

Tony grumbled, "…handler, Junior… What a fucked-up family legacy! Here, Son! Have a human-being. Torture, condition, and use him as a weapon against everything good in the world! You can just put him in a box when he makes you nervous, or like... thinks." Tony's phone buzzed. He grabbed it, read it, and chuckled. "Pepper says to stop provoking you, Cap!" He beamed a broad smile. "I'm so lucky to have her!" Natasha nodded agreement, making a face at Tony.

Steve winced again as the scientist's interrogation began to play. He finally returned to the conference room, and took a seat at the table. His stomach twisted with rage over Hydra hurting and frightening Darcy. His posture was stiff and angry as he watched and listened. He nodded, admitting, "you're right, Tony. I shouldn't be in the same room with that bastard today. My walls are down. It's all too easy to imagine beating him to death." The look of rage on his face emphasized his words.

Tony turned to Steve and blinked, "Jesus! I'll get one of the other gyms set up for you, Cap. Punching bags are a lot less expensive than the Tower's structural supports. They're less messy than evil Hydra scientists, too!" Steve let out a tense sigh, and thanked Tony. He received another text and replied easily, his knuckles already healed. He sighed again, lighter, and almost smiled.

Steve made notes while watching the video of Pierce's interrogation. Most were questions for Natasha to ask the next time they interrogated the scientist. He also made a note to himself that read, 'talk with Thor about Pierce. Discuss Vengeance.'

OOOOO

Darcy grabbed transcription work from Jane's lab, and then went to her office. She met with R&D staff and checked their progress evaluating the weapons and other tech from the DC Hydra base. She compiled a list of questions from the engineers and scientists for Tony. Then, she culled it for duplicates and questions better sent to others. Some questions would be better directed to Bruce, or one of the other Avengers. She handled the dissemination of that information, and reviewed Tony's directions. It was obvious that he'd been up during the night working.

The energy level of the people outside her office changed. Darcy looked up from her work to see Pepper approaching. Darcy stood and looked respectful, mindful that in here she was Pepper's employee. Pepper rapped smartly on the door, and entered once Darcy gestured her in. Pepper carried a spare cup of coffee, which she handed to Darcy, along with a bag of Darcy's favorite buttery popcorn. Pepper took a seat in a guest chair in front of Darcy's desk.

Darcy's brows went up, "Wow! If this is to soften the blow of firing me, color me happy."

Pepper smiled as she shook her head. "Actually, Tony wants me to promote you again."

Darcy groaned. "What's he up to, now?"

Pepper shrugged. "I'm sure I don't know. He's been out of my sight for a few hours, so the possibilities are endless. I think he was going to meet with Steve and one or two of the others." Darcy made a face, knowing that Tony would irritate Steve's raw nerves.

Pepper sipped her own coffee. "Are you okay, after all that's happened recently?"

Darcy sat back, unsure of Pepper's motivation or capacity at the moment. She made a face. "Is this a query from boss to employee?"

Pepper's grin flashed and faded, "No. I came to apologize. I'm not doing well at it so far." She looked rueful.

Darcy opened the popcorn bag, and ate a few bites to give her time to process that statement. "What are you apologizing for?"

Pepper shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I haven't reined Tony in enough during his interactions with you. I'm sorry. He has made disrespectful, harassing statements. I let that slide because I was testing to see if you could handle him at his worst."

Pepper leaned forward. "And you can, thank God! You are making my life easier, Tony's, too!"

She sipped her coffee and sighed. "I'm also sorry that Tony meddled in your relationship with Steve. I understand his motivations. He has difficulty following orders from anyone, or, well... cooperating with people. He has trust issues. He's jealous of how much Howard idolized Steve. He also thought Bruce, whom he adores, was attracted to you, and might want to be more than friends! But, it was wrong of him to imply that something was going on between you and Bruce. He shouldn't have needled Steve the way he did. He definitely should NOT have paid the news cameramen to widen the camera shot to show you and Bruce together... That put you in danger yesterday!"

Darcy's brow furrowed. "What?"

Pepper sighed, looking uncomfortable. "I guess you and Steve haven't had a lot of time to talk."

Darcy blushed, "not about any danger to me yesterday…"

Pepper nodded, distracted. She blurted, "Soooo…. Betty Ross transforms into a Red She-Hulk! When you heard her pulse-meter beeping? She was upset, thinking that you have a romantic, or at least sexual, relationship with Bruce. She saw you two on TV, as you guessed."

Darcy's mouth fell open. She picked up her phone and rapidly texted Steve. 'Sorry if I'm piling on… but BETTY'S a HULK? WTF? I thot I was lucky to escape a cat fight, not whatever a HULK might do to me!'

Steve replied after a moment. 'Sorry should have shared. Red she hulk good control. Pepper and drones with you. I'm sorry if you upset. Love you more than anything. Never want to risk you. Love you'

Darcy stared at her phone for a moment, panicked, then looked at Pepper. "Something's wrong! Steve is repeating himself. He's letting auto-complete do most of the work, and not using good grammar or punctuation. Crap!" Darcy texted to Steve again, 'what's wrong? You're not texting like you." He only replied, "I'll heal." Darcy winced., "He says he'll heal." She set the phone down and sat back in her chair, wondering how Steve had gotten injured. Her eyes met Pepper's.

Pepper frowned, and tapped on her phone. She looked at the time. "Want to go get a mani/pedi?"

Darcy grinned. "I bet you don't even have to make an appointment."

Pepper smiled smoothly, "Nope! Neither will you, from now on."

Darcy nodded, "I'm in. I'll just text the others that I'm taking personal time."

Pepper shrugged. "It's that kind of day all around. I don't think Bruce is even awake again yet."

As Darcy shut down her laptop, she looked up at Pepper. "Awake again?"

Pepper chuckled. "The Hulks met in the sparring gym after the Avengers got home and... well... Tony described it as porn in Christmas colors. I saw a few seconds. It was… unrestrained, to say the least."

Darcy yelped, "Holy shit!" She let out a breath and grinned. "I hope that means any confusion about him and me got cleared up!" She grimaced. "A Taser and some self-defense training wouldn't do me much good against a hostile lady Hulk."

Pepper looked anxious, "No. Not much! She's his equal, from what I saw. I hope any confusion has been cleared up. In the meantime, I could keep you safe until your suit arrived, if worst came to worst." She tossed her empty coffee cup in the trash, and shrugged. "Honestly? If the Captain believes in her control, that's good enough for me." Darcy nodded and smiled, trying not to worry about Steve. "Now! Girl time! God knows we deserve it!"

Darcy grimaced. "One more thing…" She texted to Steve, 'I'm sorry I fussed. Pepper's info startled me. I trust your judgment, and know that you love me. I love you, too.' A few seconds later, she received a reply from Steve, 'Thank you. You're too good, my Sweetheart. Love you. See you at dinner.'

OOOOO

The next few hours with Pepper were lovely. They had manicures and pedicures. They drank champagne, gossiped and giggled, and enjoyed the luxuriant massage chairs. Pepper told the best jokes, some amazingly dirty, and others quite tame. Darcy felt better. On a whim, she got the nail color called 'Captain's Blue'. Then, she had the manicurist paint one nail with the Captain America shield. She felt nervous when she saw that the tech chose the fourth finger of her left hand. She hoped that it wouldn't seem too forward to Steve… like she was begging for a ring there. She pondered her hopes on that topic, realized that she indeed had hopes.

Darcy's selections amused Pepper. She urged her manicurist, "Please, use 'Iron Man Red' on all but one fingernail. Do that in metallic gold. I can't have Tony feeling less celebrated than Steve. He's competitive with him, to say the least." Darcy saw the manicurists exchange a look. She worried that she was being indiscreet about her relationship with Steve. She shrugged off the concern, acknowledging that she hardly left the Tower anyway, and never without an Avenger... She'd been in danger before Steve came into her life. She always would be. She wouldn't publicize their relationship, but wouldn't second guess every breath she took, either. A knot of tension melted away at that decision.

Besides, she liked the way the shield motif looked on her nail. Considering the love bite that her scarf hid, she guessed he would, too.

Pepper sighed. "Let's sit in the massage chairs while our nails dry. I want more champagne, and just… more time." Darcy had never seen Pepper relax so much before, not even on movie nights.

Darcy grinned as the massage chair turned on, "Amazing! The chair's almost as good as Steve." She sat back and sighed. "Well... no... not that good, but still..."

Pepper giggled. "Steve gives massages? Oh! I'll have to tell Tony that. I MUST take advantage of his need to keep up!"

Darcy grinned. "Steve sets the bar high."

Pepper raised a brow. "I'll take your word, and leave it at that, for today. Another time, I'll ply you with more alcohol in hopes of fun details." She smiled. "I hope we can have 'girl time' again."

Darcy smiled and nodded eagerly. Pepper had a calming way about her and a wicked sense of humor. It would be fun to be friends with her. She raised her brows and shared, "I'd like that. I'm not as intimidated by you as I used to be."

Pepper giggled. "You've seen me laugh like crazy during a pedicure because of my ticklish feet! I hope that would help you see that I'm human."

Darcy grinned. "It was pretty funny!" She and Pepper exchanged fond grins, and clinked their champagne glasses. They finished their outing with espressos at the café on the Retail level. Pepper told entertaining stories from years working for and, more recently, with Tony. Darcy was relieved, for Pepper's sake (and Tony's) that Tony realized how much he loved and needed Pepper.

OOOOO

Bruce went to his apartment and slept, dreaming of Betty and Red She-Hulk. Later, he showered and changed. He struggled to process his conversations with Betty. They were more alike than he'd realized… and, he loved her even more than he'd ever admitted to himself. His lips burned with the desire to kiss her again.

After he settled his emotions some, he walked into the Avengers Lounge and began to fill a plate, munching hungrily as he went. He wasn't surprised when Tony came to stand by him, looking at him with a unique mix of hyperactive concern and curiosity.

Tony's voice was tight with curious tension. "How's Betty?" He popped some trail mix into his mouth.

Bruce answered shortly, "different, yet the same," and ate a bite of chicken vindaloo.

Tony blinked, searching for words and nodding. "I, uh, had a message from her."

Bruce winced, "I know." He looked at Tony and sighed. "I intend to help her in any way that I can." Tony nodded, looking pleased, but concerned. Bruce swallowed some naan, and informed Tony, "I started basic tests, to try and figure out what Sterns did to her. By the way, she's wrong on one thing. She has better control than I do, much better than I did at first." He shifted Tony aside and put some mint with his vindaloo.

Tony nodded, smiling a bit, but worried. "Are you okay?"

Bruce nodded and shrugged, then ate an egg roll and scooped some Hunan Beef on his plate. He avoided looking at Tony's expression as he admitted his grief."It's worse than any nightmare I could have ever imagined." He paused, and took another bite of food. "I wouldn't wish my problem on anyone… So, for something like it to happen to Betty?" Bruce shook his head, and paused to sigh heavily, and then focus his breathing. He used the time to regain control of his emotions for the thousandth time of the day. He looked up, and shook his head. "To have her look to me as an example of how to live with it? That's pretty far off the scale of horrible! But the grace she exudes, the trust… it takes my breath away all over again."

Bruce scooped some bulgogi on his plate and savored it, taking his time. He appreciated Tony's concern for him. He sighed. "Cap was right. She's pissed that I disregarded her feelings, took her choices away. Rightfully pissed! A man we sought out to help me… came to her, and did something to cause her to transform, too. Apparently, he got a bit of my blood in an open wound of his and it's bringing out his worst, of course... So, we need to worry about his status. We should add him to Cap's 'Avengers To-Do List.'

Bruce swallowed hard. "The first time she transformed, Betty woke up naked and alone in a mountain cave. She had to find her way back home. The second time, when she woke, the General was berating her for putting herself in harm's way, if you can believe it. Because, of course, according to him, it's my fault. And, yes, he turned her over to Hydra. Bastard! So, she's hurt and angry." He grimaced and tamped down his anger.

Tony patted Bruce on the shoulder. "Maybe, in time, she'll forgive you for pushing her away!"

Bruce had another egg roll, and shook his head. "You don't give her enough credit. She already has. She won't forget it, and I have a lot of work to do to build trust with her again, but she's forgiven me. I don't talk about the horrible stuff wound up in all the years since my first incident, when I almost killed her. But, she's forgiven me. She just needs time to heal. It seemed like she was more worked up about my 'love life' than anything else. Remember that little paparazzi shot you arranged of me and Darcy… to unbalance Cap after the first Vorm attack?"

Tony gestured as though to protest his innocence.

Bruce gave him a dark look. "I asked JARVIS direct, specific questions about the events of that evening. I don't know if the thought has occurred to you, but you used me, too. I'm vain enough, and enough of a troll, that I didn't mind winding Cap up at the time. Sometimes his perfection, his all-good reaction to serum pisses me off enough that I want a laugh or two at his expense. Just, don't bullshit me now." Tony shrugged unrepentantly, and nodded. He grinned and looked pleased with himself.

Tony chuckled, his expression full of teasing mirth. "I don't think of you so much as a troll, Bruce. More of an..."

Bruce gave Tony a chiding look, "Don't say it! And… porn with a Christmas palate? Really, Tony?" Tony grinned, and shrugged, choking back a laugh. Bruce shook his head impatiently. "It wasn't all hearts and flowers. She wanted to hear how I feel, but, I notice she didn't tell me how she feels." Tony frowned. Bruce tried to look nonchalant. "But, there were moments of beginning again, reasons to hope." His expression shifted. He looked dangerous as he warned Tony. "Don't think about fucking with us, Tony! It's complicated enough without any of your nonsense." Bruce closed his eyes for a few seconds, his voice cracking. "So long as she's okay... after whatever has happened…"

Tony nodded. "Her red half seemed pretty happy, for what it's worth. Good job there!"

Bruce huffed forcefully and restrained his curiosity. He was annoyed that Tony knew more about what had happened between Hulk and Red She-Hulk than he did. Bruce had not yet pulled up the video feed, but knew his curiosity would win out sooner rather than later. He'd had intense, confusing, dreams about Red She-Hulk already. Bruce shook his head to dismiss that. "Betty needs funding and a lab, by the way… You can cut my funding, if need be. She's the best in her field, and I think she's worth your investment…"

Tony waved him off. "That's good enough for me… I've been trying to convince you to let me hire her. Keep your funds. I've got more than enough to spare."

Bruce attempted to look blasé. It wasn't convincing, but he didn't seem utterly devastated, and that was good enough for Tony, too, for the time being.

Sam entered the lounge, smiling and raving about the latest improvements Tony had made to his wing pack. Tony laughed and moved to Sam's side, always happy to hear compliments to his brilliance.

OOOOO

Darcy thanked Pepper again as they entered the Avengers Lounge. 'Girl time' had helped her relax some. She hoped that she and Pepper might become close friends, if they could find more time to spend together. Pepper walked over to Tony. He kept talking with Sam, but took her hand in his, and leaned over to kiss Pepper's cheek. Darcy smiled as Tony lifted Pepper's hand and exclaimed over her nail colors, preening. From the moment Pepper arrived, his orbit shifted around her, like always. Darcy smiled at that, and looked around the room.

Bruce was by the food, reading something on his phone, scowling as he glanced at Tony. He ate and ate as he filled his plate more and more, literally grazing the food selection.

Natasha and Clint were in the far corner, talking, and their body language so in sync that they looked like they shared a brain. Natasha nodded a greeting to Darcy. Her eyes zeroed in on the scarf that Darcy was wearing, right to the hickey she was trying to hide. Clint stared for a second, too, and then looked away.

Darcy thought, 'Damn! Spy-sassins =observant.' Darcy shrugged, and rearranged her scarf as Natasha raised a brow and frowned a bit. Darcy turned her attention to the assorted take-out food on the counter.

Bruce put his phone away and stopped stuffing food into his mouth long enough to ask Darcy, "you okay? I'm so sorry! I'm sorry that I lost control when the call came." He looked repentant and anxious. Darcy's face burned as she recalled Pepper joking about Christmas porn. Bruce opened his mouth again, and shut it quickly, like he wanted to say something, but, wasn't sure if he should.

Darcy nodded and joked. "I can say I jumped out of a sky scraper, and lived to tell the tale! You're checking off a lot of my bucket list! I mean... Come on! Hulk really showed up for yoga!" Bruce smiled with disbelief. She bit her lip, and shifted closer to him. "Don't apologize. I'm fine. If you hadn't lost it over that, you wouldn't be the Bruce we all love. I just hope everything turns out okay." She looked at him obvious affection. His silent response was a mixture of a wince and a smile.

He swallowed hard. "You might be too brave for your own good. But, I can't bring myself to try to warn you off, if facing 'the other guy' didn't do the trick! And, things with Betty?" He shrugged, and gestured with his hands that he wasn't sure. Seeing her sad look, he grinned and hugged her again. "We'll see. Thanks."

Darcy took a nervous breath. "I... don't suppose my name came up in any horribly awkward way between you and Dr. Ross, did it?"

Bruce chuckled. "It's okay. I… explained Tony…"

Darcy sighed with relief, and laughed, "How? Can you explain him to me?"

Bruce's smile looked gentle and rueful. He shook his head. "Not everything... But, I cleared up the misunderstanding she had about my friendship with you. She was sorry that she wasn't friendly when you met."

Darcy's eyes widened. She chuckled. "In retrospect, I'm glad I didn't understand why the beeping sound sped up whenever she looked at me! I'd already checked sky-diving off the list, at that point." Bruce looked pained. Darcy thanked Bruce and hugged him, "I want happiness for you, Bruce."

He kissed her cheek. "Thanks. I know. I appreciate that, Darcy." He sighed, and turned back to the counter to grab a bottle of water and drink it down. Exhaustion had claimed him first, but now he was famished.

Steve walked into the Lounge, hair still damp from a shower. He wore jeans and a t-shirt, and carried a bouquet of flowers. He approached Darcy, holding the bouquet in front of him, his expression contrite. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

Darcy looked at the flowers, and tilted her head. "Pretty! Do they have a particular meaning?"

Steve grinned tightly. "Of course! Chrysanthemums are for truthfulness. Daffodils are for respect. Hyacinths are for 'please forgive me... I apologize... and, I'm sorry.'" She laughed at him as she accepted the bouquet.

Bruce teased Steve."Where's my bouquet?" Steve looked taken aback, stricken. Bruce shook his head and chuckled. "Learn to take a joke, Cap! I should thank you. I'm glad that Betty had the chance to… tell me… herself. You were right that we needed to talk, and, it seemed to mean a lot to her. She likes you." He suppressed a grin, as Steve looked a bit pained.

Steve's expression twisted more as Tony approached Bruce. Steve noticed that Bruce's eyes narrowed. Tony interjected in a faux-innocent tone. "You guys talking about how well Betty and Cap hit it off?" Darcy frowned, wondering what Tony was up to now.

Tony froze in place, surprised, as Bruce turned to Tony with a green glow visible in his eye, and a lower tone to his voice. "Steve isn't the only one who can tear into the structural supports of this Tower, Tony. You guys didn't classify your meeting this afternoon as private." He held up his phone. "Once I verified that you discussed Betty, I read a transcript of it just now." Steve shifted so that his body was between Darcy and Bruce. Bruce turned to Steve, noted Steve's protective stance, and looked from him to Darcy. "I'm sorry that I had fun at your expense, when Tony was making implications about me and Darcy, Steve. That wasn't nice of me." His grin hardened. "Don't repay the favor. Okay?"

Steve, hands on his hips, looked down and let out a rueful chuckle. "Not a problem, doc." He glanced at Darcy, and grinned. "I'm a one-woman sort of guy." Darcy smiled and left them, searching for a vase. Steve watched her go.

Then, Steve grabbed a sandwich off a tray and wolfed it down. He drained a few bottles of water, and ate a couple of slices of Hawaiian pizza. He held a hand out to Darcy when she returned. From then, he kept her close; seeming unable to bear to have her more than a few feet away. He touched her often, gently. She made a plate for herself, and stayed close. Steve moved past Bruce to put food on his plate. He noted that Bruce's demeanor was an unusual mix of tension and relaxation. Steve looked down as Darcy took an egg roll and started munching it with gusto. The sight of his shield emblem painted on her nail made him smile.

Darcy saw him staring at her hand. She explained, "Captain's Blue polish with a little something extra. Hope you don't mind…" She looked up and grinned as she saw the delight in his face. She leaned closer and whispered. "Hell, Steve! If you want me to wear your emblem, I'd even get a tattoo, if it would put a look like THAT on your face!"

Steve's face flushed a bit as he shook his head. "No! But, I like that…"

Steve glanced up as Natasha approached Darcy, gently nudging her shoulder. Natasha complimented, "Cute nail art. I also really liked that starry dress you wore yesterday. I'm glad you're comfortable enough in your relationship with Steve to wear stars again."

Darcy stopped in mid-motion reaching for another egg roll, frowned, and replied shortly. "Thanks." She swallowed hard, looking uncomfortable.

Steve frowned at Natasha. She ignored him. Natasha reached up and tried to retie Darcy's scarf. Finally, she untied it and set it aside, pulled a dark blue scarf with stars on it out of her pocket, and tied it on Darcy instead. "There! This one does a better job of hiding how grossly possessive your date got." Natasha eyed Steve chidingly. He blushed, and looked away.

Darcy tried, and failed, to suppress a blush as she recognized the scarf. For the first time ever, Steve saw Darcy's jaw tic with angry tension. He was puzzled, and hoped she wasn't mad with him. Then, he saw that she was looking at Natasha intently. He wasn't fluent in 'eyebrow talk' as Darcy called Natasha and Clint's wordless communication. But, he could swear that Darcy was willing Natasha NOT to say something. He put a hand at the small of Darcy's back, comforting.

Natasha's grin was smooth, if direct. "The day we met, I rescued it from the trash after you lost your temper. I hoped you'd want it back, that you would feel confident enough to wear stars again." Darcy looked angrier as Natasha kept talking. "Jane was teasing when she asked if wearing stars made you a 'star-spangled girl'!" Natasha ignored Steve's pained groan and the curse he uttered. "And, you knew it, so you weren't really offended with Jane. But, you were uncomfortable, jealous, and… most of all, unsure of yourself. You underestimate yourself, Darcy."

Steve went still, studying Darcy's expression. Darcy forced herself to bite out a reply. "Thanks, I guess. That's been a while. A lot has changed." Her lips trembled as she avoided Steve's gaze.

Natasha's expression was soft and concerned. "Yes... and no... I've been watching, and listening, too, Darcy. You ARE more at ease about the chorus girls, and a bit about yourself, now… but…"

Darcy huffed. "Please, Natasha… Stop! Why are you…?"

Natasha pulled Darcy into a hug, and whispered in her ear. "I care. And, you are not just a consolation prize!" Both Darcy and Steve stiffened at those words. "You can be anything or anyone that you want, and can enjoy yourself with any man or woman that you want. You don't have to settle, or settle down. If you want to explore… every… option, the world is your oyster. You're a beautiful, strong young woman, and a good person."

Darcy's expression shifted to one of dismay. She pulled back and shook her head. She sputtered, "I don't want anyone else…"

Steve stayed still with effort, but couldn't help the emotions that flowed through him.

Natasha frowned, and she squeezed Darcy's arms in a comforting gesture. Then, she leaned close, and whispered in Darcy's ear again. "If you don't need or want to explore further? Then, you need to talk with Steve about this idea you have about his love for Peggy being more significant than his love for you. You act like you're in her shadow, or like he has to make do since he can't have what he really wants. You don't deserve that." Darcy's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she met Natasha's gaze and nodded. Steve stifled a gasp, startled. Natasha smoothed Darcy's hair back and smiled encouragement. "You're special, too."

Darcy bit her lip and asked, "how…?"

Natasha pulled Darcy further away from the others. She looked her over. "Jai is too good of a stylist not to notice that you would look lovely in red." Darcy groaned, and Natasha continued. "You wore a red dress one time to attract Steve's attention. But, that is the only time you've worn red since you saw Steve's painting of Peggy Carter. You stopped wearing your red jacket; one that Jane said was your favorite. You haven't even worn a red shirt once in the past few months. But, I'm sure Jai has found things for you in that color." Darcy sighed and nodded.

Natasha added, "And, then there's the music that you listen to... You know that I hear the music you play when you're alone at your apartment. I hear too many lyrics about not deserving, not being good enough... Your playlist to him even included a song about his and Peggy's 'great love!' You skip it every time it comes up when you're alone. As I said before, you'd be sinfully easy for surveillance… given how well I hear."

Darcy gasped, and looked at Natasha accusingly. She realized that with Steve's enhanced hearing, it didn't matter that Natasha was whispering. He heard every word. She blushed, and turned away from him, putting her hands over her warmed cheeks and breathing in and out shakily.

Natasha looked from Darcy to Steve. "I care about both of you. Communicate more, please. Too much crazy stuff has gone on lately! You're not communicating well enough. Individual therapy doesn't benefit a relationship much, not if you don't open up to each other. You need to talk about old flames and lovers, instead of hoping each of you will somehow understand. I care about both of you too much to hold my tongue. You're my friends."

Darcy nodded stiffly, puzzled as she implored incredulously. "Communicating well enough, for what?!" Steve scowled, and Natasha smiled innocently at him. Darcy rolled her eyes. "Fine! Whatever! I think it needs to wait until he and I have had more time to unwind, until we're both a little calmer. The past few days… sucked, especially for him! I know I'm not just a fling like all those chorus girls! I know he loves me."

Bruce glanced at Steve with open curiosity, and Darcy apologized to Steve. "Sorry, Hon." Bruce patted Darcy's shoulder as he moved past her and grabbed more food. He glanced at Steve again and raised a brow, looking faintly amused by Steve's discomfort.

Steve tried to ignore Bruce's trolling look. He set his plate down, and pulled Darcy into his arms. She grumbled. "Avengers are busy bodies!"

He nodded agreement, "Sorry!" She still wouldn't meet his eye.

Bucky entered the lounge and walked over to them. "Hi. Was 'team dinner' code for everyone watching you and your girl cuddle or something?"

Bruce's look of amusement faded as he looked Bucky over. In the transcript he'd just read, the words 'Betty thinks Bucky's handsome' had jumped off the screen. Bruce swallowed, shook his head and murmured. "Karma... fuckin' Karma…" He saw Steve glance his way quickly and assume a purposely bland expression.

Darcy pulled back from Steve, teary, "Nah. I just need a hug." She watched Natasha back away from them. Darcy frowned. Natasha's encouraging compliments ought to please her on some level. But, she hated that Natasha had exposed Darcy's insecurities, especially about Peggy, to Steve.

Bucky teased. "I got ya one right here, Doll." He held his arms open, as a joke. He was surprised when Darcy moved into his embrace and pressed against him. She hid her face against his chest, clinging as though to absorb some of his strength. He wrapped his arms around her and looked at Steve with a quizzical expression. Steve looked uncomfortable and awkward. Instinctively, Bucky leaned down and whispered. "You're awesome, Doll... one of a kind. Remember, you scare Captain America!"

Steve smiled and nodded. He looked down and sighed, wishing he had even half of Bucky's smooth assurance when it came to talking to women.

Darcy pulled back and looked up at Bucky. He grinned cheekily at her, and winked. She lifted her chin, and grinned in response. Then, she turned on Natasha with mischief in her expression and voice. "So, when you were giving Steve grief on your way to Camp Lehigh? Were you needling him about 'needing to practice' in an attempt to prick his pride enough that he'd spill his history? Or, were you offended that your kiss didn't bring him to his knees and cause him to beg you for more? I'd understand if you were disappointed that didn't happen. It's pretty amazing."

Bruce choked on a bite of food while Bucky laughed. Steve bit his lip to suppress a grin.

Natasha laughed, "Honestly? A bit of both... I'm nosy. I'm a spy, after all. AND, I'm accustomed to more reaction from people when I get close. No one should have that much reserve. It's almost inhuman... and just a little bit insulting." She grinned as she walked away. Turning back, she winked. "We can discuss it more at the range tomorrow. I'll be there at 7:30."

Darcy huffed in disbelief. "You want to continue this conversation while I have a gun in my hand?! Really?" Natasha snorted a laugh.

Thor and Jane entered the lounge, hand in hand. Thor let out a cry of pleasure as he saw the bulgogi. "A new delicacy! Excellent." He grabbed a plate and began to fill it.

Jane walked up to Darcy, a puzzled look of recognition on her face. She bit her lip and touched Darcy's scarf. "Cute!" She looked at Darcy expressively, attempting 'eyebrow talk.'

Darcy wasn't in a mood to cooperate. She just shook her head, and chuckled ruefully. "Thanks."

Steve leaned over and kissed Darcy's cheek. She smiled wanly at him. He whispered, "I love you."

Darcy sighed, "I know. I love you, too."

Pepper called out to all. "Who could use a laugh? We'll run silly comedies as long as needed. Let's get started!"

to be continued…

Notes:

The song Darcy gifted Steve (in Ch. 16) about his and Peggy's 'great love' is 'For All We Know' by Nat King Cole. The song lyrics in the playlist related Darcy's developing feelings. She included lyrics for each song and a key that listed each song, its artist, its year released, and a Key describing what she meant to convey with the song.

Sentimental Journey/ Les Brown Orchestra/ 1944/ Welcome Home from WWII, Soldier!

Yesterday/ Beatles/ 1965/ You miss your past a lot.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It's a Wonderful World Israel Kamakawiwo'ole/ 1993/ Weird stuff happens, but there's still good in the world.

I Wish/ Stevie Wonder / 1976/ You have good memories,childhood,Bucky.

For All We Know/ Nat King Cole/ 1958 (1934)/ Your great love with Peggy was tragically ripped away.

If I'm Any Closer / Seal/ 2010/ I'm flighty and insecure, bit of a mess.

Iris/ Goo Goo Dolls/ 1998/ You're too amazing. It'd be awesome if you're into me.

Counting Stars/ OneRepublic/ 2013/ I dream about you, us.

Arms/ Christina Perri / 2011/ I don't think I'm good enough for you. Couldn't imagine us.

You Get Me/ Seal / 2010/ I feel like you understand me.

Give Myself to You/ Train / 2006/ I'm working on me… in part, for you.

Sway / Blue October/ 2013/ We have a chance. I want to go dancing. Sexy thoughts. ;)

In Your Eyes/ Peter Gabriel/ 1986/ I want to be more… like the way you see me.

I Want You To Want Me/ Cheap Trick/ 1979/ Duh! :)

Glitter In The Air/ P!nk/ 2008/ Loving you seems brave & magical. I want.

This Moment/ Katy Perry/ 2013/ Let's take this chance at love while we have it.